The Comfort mode affords greater compliance and everyday usability compared to the previous Type R, offering a softer suspension setup and smoother steering feel. Its presence in the new Type R is enabled by the revised three-chamber adaptive dampers, which offer greater variability of damping force in both tension and compression.

New Comfort mode is not only ideal for rough road surfaces, but is also a more secure configuration when driving on choppy, undulating motorway surfaces at higher speeds. While there are now far greater differences between the damping forces of each driving mode, improvements in the calibration of all three settings mean that new Type R feels more connected to the road at all times, helping to deliver a more secure and engaging driving experience.

Sport mode remains the default setting when starting the vehicle. It offers a blend of comfort and dynamic response that corresponds approximately to a mid-point between the previous Type R’s standard and +R modes.

Comfort mode can be selected by using a convenient rocker switch located behind the gear lever. The instrument cluster illuminations change when the mode is engaged, lessening the intensity and number of red accents around the virtual gauges.

The +R mode remains the choice for track driving. Engine responsiveness is heightened, with the torque-mapping changed to a more aggressive and performance-focused configuration, allowing more of the available torque at lower engine speeds. The throttle ‘blipping’ effect from the rev-matching function is also enhanced.

Damping force from the new four-wheel Adaptive Damper System in +R mode is increased by 15% over Sport mode. This produces a firmer, flatter ride and greater agility for high-performance handling. Furthermore, the variable-ratio EPS becomes heavier, with reduced power assistance that delivers a more direct and linear steering feel.

The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) system is retuned for +R mode to focus on acceleration and performance, allowing a greater yaw and slip rate before intervening. Additionally, both the Traction Control System and the VSA function can be turned fully off if the VSA button is pressed for five seconds while the Type R is in +R mode. The instrument gauge illumination switches to a more intense red theme when +R is selected from the rocker switch.

Time-attack attempt at Nürburgring achieved a 7min 43.8sec lap Advanced aerodynamics and revised 2.0-litre VTEC TURBO engine are key factors in significant improvement over previous Type R Lap time achieved in development car with technical specifications representative of the final production car

Soon after making its debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the all-new Honda Civic Type R set a new benchmark lap time for a front-wheel drive car at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. On 3 April 2017, a development car lapped the world-famous circuit in 7 minutes 43.8 seconds.

The lap time was achieved during the final phase of the model’s testing regime, on a dry track with an optimum ambient temperature for the best tyre and powertrain performance. The new time represents an improvement of nearly seven seconds compared to the model’s predecessor.

Several factors contributed to the new benchmark lap time. At its heart is the optimised and refined 2.0-litre VTEC TURBO engine, producing 320 PS and 400 Nm of torque. New lower gear ratios in the six-speed manual transmission further improve the car’s acceleration, while the new Type R‘s comprehensive aerodynamic package delivers outstanding high-speed stability, with a best-in-class balance between lift and drag.

Ryuichi Kijima is the lead chassis engineer for the Honda Civic Type R. He explains where the all-new model shows the most significant improvements around the Nürburgring compared to the previous generation car.

“The cornering speed is higher because the car features a wider track and tyres, a longer wheelbase, new multi-link suspension in the rear and optimised aerodynamics that improve stability,” said Kijima-san. “For example, drivers typically enter the corner after Metzgesfeld at around 150 km/h. Even at this medium-speed corner, the speed is around 10 km/h higher due to the new Type R’s excellent stability. So, with improved cornering performance, we can increase the speed throughout the lap, helping the new Type R to achieve a much quicker lap time.”

The development car that achieved the lap time was technically representative of production specification. A full floating roll cage was installed for safety reasons, but its presence did not provide any additional rigidity to the body frame. The extra weight of the cage was compensated for by the temporary removal of the infotainment system and rear seats. The car was using road legal track-focused tyres.

The interior treatment of Type R models is always unmistakable, and can be traced back 25 years to the very first Honda with the iconic red badge.

The all-new Civic Type R builds on the sophisticated, premium ambience of the standard car’s cabin with striking suede-effect red and black fabric trim for the new high-backed sports seats. The seats incorporate revised bolsters and cushion pads, offering superlative support for sports driving, and are the lightest Type R specification seats ever.

The steering wheel incorporates red leather inserts and hexagonal stitching, while the dashboard panel’s carbon centre inlay is surrounded by red pinstripe trim – extending into the door cards. The spherical gear lever knob is made from machined alloy. All of these interior features are unique to the Type R.

The sporty interior is designed to offer the most comfortable and sophisticated cabin in the compact class, and exudes a thoroughly modern, sleek and simple aesthetic to complement the sharply sculpted exterior. This is achieved with horizontal lines that accentuate the feeling of width and length, and therefore spaciousness.

With the longer, wider platform and longer wheelbase, front seat and rear seat occupants benefit from greater visibility and more space in which to experience the Type R’s blistering performance. For the driver, a more compact dashboard upper surface means it sits 65mm lower, resulting in improved visibility. Thin A-pillars (12mm narrower than the previous Type R) also reduce the obstructed forward view providing a class-leading 84.3 degrees of forward visibility.

Boot space is a generous 414 litres, and the compartment features an innovative side-sliding and removeable compact tonneau cover, ensuring the Type R retains its position as the most practical and versatile of high-performance hatchbacks. Ease of access is ensured by rear seats that split / fold 60:40, with a low sill height (680mm) and wide boot opening (1,120mm) combined with the flat boot floor to make the loading of heavy, wide and long items easy.

NVH performance in the cabin has improved, with reduced interior sound pressure at higher engine rotations compared to the previous Type R.

‘Technology centre’ console

The centre console features a piano-black finish, and follows a ‘technology centre’ theme. The lower part in front of the gear lever is configured as a two-tier storage area, with a front tray that provides grab-and-go access to devices, with an integrated wireless smartphone charging pad (on GT specification cars). A second tray behind the centre console provides a more discreet storage area, as well as access to the HDMI and USB ports, and a 12-volt power socket. Cable pass-through enables a connection from the second tray to the first.

At the top of the centre console sits the seven-inch Honda CONNECT colour touch-screen display. As well as being a touch-control device for the infotainment and climate control functions, the display also integrates with a reversing camera. It also offers enhanced intuitive operation and full smartphone integration via both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto.

In front of the driver, the instrument display layout provides vivid clarity and highly intuitive usability. A seven-inch colour TFT-LCD Driver Information Interface (DII) display makes up the largest central section of the reconfigured instrument binnacle, which includes virtual gauges as well as a switchable section that can display a variety of different function readouts. Unique to the Type R is a driving mode-specific illumination function that features specialised readouts, including an LED gearshift indicator light, boost pressure gauge, G-Meter and lap time recorder.

Scroll and select functions for the DII are performed via thumbpad controls on the left spoke of the steering wheel. The combination of thumbpad controls and DII display in the driver’s forward line-of-sight helps to minimise distractions for the driver while underway. Also on the left spoke are the integrated Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® telephone controls, while a second thumbpad on the right spoke of the steering wheel operates the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist system settings.

In common with the new Civic hatchback, the new Type R features the Honda SENSING suite of safety technologies, one of the most comprehensive safety packages in its class. It uses a combination of radar and camera information, plus a host of high-tech sensors to warn and assist the driver in potentially dangerous scenarios.

Also fitted as standard are Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, which enhances control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering, and Indirect Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

2017 marks 25 years since the debut of the first Honda Type R model Quarter century of racing-inspired road cars focus on lightweight components, performance tuning and chassis upgrades All-new fifth-generation Civic hot hatch is the first truly ‘global’ Type R

2017 marks 25 years since the introduction of the very first Honda Type R vehicle. For more than two decades, the Type R badge has denoted the highest performance version of its respective model, derived from a philosophy of crafting racing-inspired road cars.

Newly engineered from the ground up to deliver the most rewarding driving experience in the hot hatch segment, the fifth-generation Civic Type R represents the first truly ‘global’ Type R. Unlike previous versions where specific variants were limited to either Japan or European markets, the new Type R will be exported globally.

Type R history

The Type R name first appeared in 1992, with the debut of the first-generation NSX Type R. Honda’s aim was to develop a car which delivered overwhelming driving pleasure and the speed of a racing car, powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 280 PS. An extensive weight-saving programme extracted nearly 120kg over the standard NSX, including new lightweight composite Recaro seats in place of the electrically-adjustable leather seats.

This was the first time that the red Honda emblem, red upholstery and Championship White body colour were introduced onto a Honda production car. The colour combination was a tribute to Honda’s Formula 1 heritage, reflecting the racing colours that appeared on the Honda RA271 and RA272 single-seaters. The former was the first ever Japanese car to race in Formula 1, while the latter was the first from the country to win a Grand Prix, taking the chequered flag in Mexico in 1965. Both cars were painted white with a red ‘sun mark’ – inspired by Japan’s national flag – and set the iconic trend for future Type R variants.

In 1995, Honda introduced the first-generation Integra Type R, officially available only to the Japanese market. Its 200 PS 1.8-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine redlined at 8,000 rpm, and introduced a much larger audience to the Type R experience. The upgraded version was lighter than the standard Integra, while keeping its rigidity, and offered a short-ratio five-speed manual gearbox, as well as upgraded suspension and brakes.

The Japan-only 1997 Honda Civic Type R that followed was powered by the famous 1.6-litre B16 engine – the first engine in a standard mass production car to offer a specific output exceeding 100 PS per litre. The Type R offered a stiffer chassis, front and rear double wishbone suspension, upgraded brakes and a helical limited-slip differential.

European buyers were officially offered a Type R for the first time in the shape of the 1998 Integra Type R. Powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, this iconic coupe offered 190 PS at its 8,000 rpm redline. The weight-saving focus even included thinner windscreen glass for European versions.

The first five-door Type R was launched in 1999. The Accord Type R was equipped with a stiffer chassis and suspension, more powerful brakes and a limited-slip differential. It was also offered with a dual exhaust system and optional rear spoiler.

2001 saw the debut of the second-generation Integra Type R for the Japanese market, and the launch of the second-generation Civic Type R. The latter represented the first time that a Type R model had been built at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) in Swindon. The Japanese domestic market version, featuring a number of upgrades to the UK model, was also built at HUM.

In 2002, the second-generation NSX Type R was introduced in Japan, representing a further evolution of the racing-inspired philosophy. Carbon fibre was used extensively to help reduce weight, including for the large rear spoiler and vented bonnet hood. The car remains the rarest of Honda’s Type R models.

The third-generation Civic Type R was launched in March 2007, and was offered in two formats. Japanese buyers were offered a four-door sedan with a 225 PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine and independent rear suspension, while the European market Type R was based on the five-door hatchback, with a 2.0-litre VTEC unit producing 201 PS at 7,800 rpm.

The fourth-generation Civic Type R was launched in 2015 with a host of technical firsts. At its heart was the first ever VTEC Turbo engine – the most extreme and high-performing Type R engine ever built – which delivered 310 PS at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm torque from 2,500 rpm. Optimised performance handling resulted from a four-wheel adaptive damper system and a unique dual-axis strut front suspension set-up. An all-new +R mode was also introduced, giving drivers the option to engage a more intense driving experience – with increased engine response and steering feel, and revised damper settings – at the touch of a button. During its development, the fourth-generation Civic Type R set a new front-wheel drive production car benchmark at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

9. Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) – home of the all-new Civic Type R

All-new Civic Type R to be produced at Honda’s UK plant in Swindon and exported globally, including to the US €270m investment in new technologies and processes for Civic family Long-term commitment to manufacturing in the UK and Europe

Honda’s European production facility, Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM), is the global production hub for the tenth-generation Civic hatchback, and the only plant to build the Civic Type R. Honda has invested €270m in new production technologies and processes at HMUK specifically to prepare for the new hatchback model, including the all-new Civic Type R. The investment is part of a long-term vision for the European plant in Honda’s global operations.

Production of the new Civic Type R is anticipated to start in summer 2017. The Type R will be exported across Europe and to other markets around the world, including Japan and the US. Its arrival in North America will mark the first time that any Honda-badged Type R has been officially sold there.

HUM produced its first engine in 1989 and its first car in 1992. It now consists of two car plants and an engine manufacturing facility. Other areas of the site are dedicated to a purpose-built test track, dynamic and static test cells, as well as administration and purchasing functions.

Premium paint quality

To ensure that the quality of the paint finish complements the high quality exterior design, Honda has invested in new paint facilities at HUM. The quality of the finish from the new paint shop will be class-leading thanks to improved paint thickness and a new type of clear-coat application. The combination of these two enhancements is an improved depth and quality of gloss shine, and an enriched reflection characteristic. The changes mean that the new Civic will achieve levels of paint quality and finish close to the standards achieved for Honda’s premium US Acura brand.

This weekend, Honda returned to Goodwood Festival of Speed celebrating 25 years of its pioneering sports brands, Type R and Fireblade. In addition, the world’s most advanced Hydrogen vehicle, Honda’s Clarity Fuel Cell, made its UK debut on the Goodwood hill climb.

Honda’s historic display of Type R vehicles included the original 1992 NSX Type R, Integra Type R, Accord Type R and all Civic Type R models. The impressive line-up is completed with the UK debut of the much anticipated 2017 Civic Type R - the current FWD lap record holder around the Nurburgring Nordscheliefe.

All Type R models participated in an exclusive 25 years of Type R hill climb, led by British Touring Car Champion and Honda Yuasa driver, Matt Neal. The Goodwood hill climb consists of 9 turns and ascends 1.86km through the Goodwood Estate in Sussex, UK.

Both Type R and Fireblade signify Honda's racing heritage and history as a motorsport inspired vehicle manufacturer.

The Honda stand brought to life the culture of discovery, exploration and challenge, enriched within the Honda brand. Visitors were able to immerse themselves in a collection of Honda products via interactive challenges.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed took place from Thursday 29th June until Sunday 2nd July.

Sportier exterior styling and new Dynamic specification 130 PS petrol engine available with Jazz for the first time Retains unrivalled versatility and class-leading passenger space

The new-look Honda Jazz has been revealed ahead of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. As well as updates to the exterior styling and interior trim, the new Jazz will also be available with a 130 PS (96 kW) 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine for the first time in Europe.

Exterior changes align the Jazz with the latest Honda family style, incorporating the ‘Solid Wing Face’ headlight signature and grille. The front bumper is sharply sculpted, with more aggressive contours around the air vents. At the rear, shallower grille sections are linked by a gloss black trim strip above a trapezoid lower section. Updates to the exterior are rounded off by the addition of metallic Skyride Blue as a new colour option.

Honda’s 130 PS petrol engine combines high output with low fuel consumption, and complies with stringent Euro 6 emissions standards. It achieves fuel economy of 5.4l/100km (52.3 mpg) and CO2 emissions from 124g/km with the optional CVT automatic transmission. The CVT system itself has been revised to deliver a more linear and refined response under acceleration.

The 130 PS petrol engine is offered as part of a new Dynamic grade, which adds a thinner front splitter beneath the lower grille, and triple-strake diffuser to the rear bumper – both finished with a sporty red accent line. Dynamic grade also includes LED headlights, front fog lamps, side sill skirts, a tailgate spoiler and gloss-black 185/55 R16 alloy wheels. The interior features a unique pinstripe pattern on the upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, all of which are enhanced by orange stitching.

The new Honda Jazz retains the exceptional versatility of the previous model, including boot space of 354 litres (up to 897 litres with the rear seats folded down) and passenger space that is unrivalled in the class. Honda’s highly practical 60:40-split Magic Seat system allows for numerous cargo configurations, with a maximum interior loading length of 2,480 mm and maximum loading height of 1,280 mm.

A comprehensively revised 120 PS 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine will join the Honda Civic range in Europe from March 2018, offering an outstanding combination of performance and efficiency.

The new engine is one of the first units to be officially tested under the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) fuel consumption and emissions cycle, which comes into force this year. While data from the familiar New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test is based on a theoretical driving profile, the WLTP cycle was developed using actual driving data gathered from around the world. It is therefore designed to produce results closer to a real-world driving experience.

Honda has made significant improvements to the engine and the exhaust system to maximise real world performance. The efficiency enhancements for the new Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC result in fuel economy and CO2 emissions starting from 3.7 l/100 km (76.3 mpg)* and 99g/km (under the WLTP cycle)*.

The improvements to the 1.6-litre diesel include a reduction in cylinder friction, thanks to pistons made from highly durable chromium-molybdebnum steel alloy, as well as ‘super plateau honing’ of the bores to enable smoother piston movement.

The 1,597cc engine uses the same advanced Bosch fuel injection system as before, and features a small, high-efficiency turbocharger, low-pressure EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system and a high-intake flow, high-swirl cylinder head port. A high-strength, lightweight slender crankshaft and all-aluminium, open-deck, high-pressure, die-cast engine block minimise the engine’s weight. For the new i-DTEC, additional cast ribs have been added to the cylinder block to increase structural rigidity and, consequently, improve the management of noise, vibration and harshness.

Honda’s new 1.6 i-DTEC is also one of the first engines to be officially tested through the Real Driving Emission (RDE) procedure to validate NOx and particulate emission levels. The diesel powertrain has a new NOx Storage Converter (NSC) system with larger catalysts and a higher content of noble metals (silver, platinum and neodymium) that store nitrogen oxide gas until the regeneration cycle. A soot sensor accurately detects when the regeneration cycle is required, extending exhaust component durability.

Assembled at Honda of the UK Manufacturing in Swindon, the revised engine will be available in both the four-door and five-door variants of the new tenth-generation Civic.

A nine-speed automatic transmission will further bolster the Civic’s powertrain options in mid-2018, representing its first ever application in a two-wheel drive car.

* Honda internal data

– Ends –

Editors notes:

WLTP

The Worldwise Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) has been designed to provide more realistic testing conditions to calculate vehicle fuel consumption and emissions.

The driving cycle is divided into four sections with different average speeds: low, medium, high and extra high. Each section contains a variety of driving phases, stops, acceleration and braking phases. For each new vehicle type, every powertrain configuration is tested under the WLTP for the car’s lightest and heaviest variants.

RDE tests

Real Driving Emission (RDE) tests measure the pollutants such as NOx emitted by cars while driven on the road. RDE will be run alongside current NEDC and future WLTP test cycles as a validation process. RDE ensures the delivery of low emissions from vehicles during on-road conditions throughout Europe.

The RDE test is performed as part of emissions type approval on public roads in real traffic, using a Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS). Initially, only NOX and particulate number emissions are included in binding limits. The initial diesel RDE limit for NOx is 168 mg/km, which comes into force on 1 September 2017 for new vehicle types.

Honda set to unveil next steps on path towards Electric Vision at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show World premiere of the Honda Urban EV Concept – Honda’s first EV for Europe CR-V Hybrid Prototype previews European version of best-selling SUV First look at new-look Jazz supermini’s fresh exterior styling and interior trim Debut of the diesel Honda Civic hatchback

Honda will use the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show to reveal the next steps in its plan for electrification of its European car range. The focus for the brand at Frankfurt will be the world premiere of the Honda Urban EV Concept, setting the direction for a future production model. Alongside this debut, the CR-V Hybrid Prototype previews the European version of the all-new CR-V SUV.

Also featuring on the Honda stand will be the new-look Jazz supermini and the new diesel-powered variant of the tenth-generation Civic hatchback.

Honda hybrid technology to be available in an SUV bodystyle for the first time in Europe Hybrid Prototype’s styling retains the familiar silhouette of the world’s best-selling SUV, previewing the European specification of the all-new CR-V Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system comprises 2.0 litre i-VTEC petrol engine and two electric motors for seamless feeling of power and torque Hybrid system part of two-option powertrain range alongside a 1.5 litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine

Honda is set to unveil its CR-V Hybrid Prototype at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, previewing the brand’s first-ever electrified SUV powertrain available in Europe. The Hybrid Prototype also features revised styling that previews the forthcoming European specification CR-V model range.

The CR-V Hybrid Prototype represents the first time that the all-new CR-V has been shown at a European motor show. It retains the familiar silhouette of the world’s best-selling SUV, with an evolutionary design that is sophisticated and sporty. Wider, taller and longer than the previous version, the Hybrid Prototype of the new CR-V has fresh exterior styling, with a wider stance through the broader, muscular wheel arches.

The new SUV achieves a balance of elegance and athleticism, with thinner A-pillars that increase the shoulder volume of the car, but also a larger wheel and tyre combination. Sharper contours are present on the bonnet and rear quarters, and the nose incorporates the latest Honda family ‘face’ with its signature headlight graphic.

The two-motor i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) system in the CR-V Hybrid Prototype comprises an electric propulsion motor, a 2.0-litre i-VTEC four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine for electrical energy generation and propulsion, and a separate electric generator motor. The hybrid system does not need a conventional transmission, fitted instead with a single fixed-gear ratio that creates a direct connection between moving components, enabling a smooth transfer of torque within the system.

The i-MMD system determines how to use fuel and electrical energy in the most efficient way, meaning there is no requirement on the driver to adjust between the three driving modes; EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive.

In EV Drive, the propulsion motor draws its power solely from the batteries, delivering zero-emissions driving. In Hybrid Drive, the gasoline engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn delivers power to the electric propulsion motor. In this mode, excess power from the gasoline engine is diverted back via the generator motor to recharge the battery pack. In Engine Drive, the wheels are directly driven by the gasoline engine, with an ‘on-demand’ peak power ‘boost’ available from the electric propulsion motor.

In most urban driving situations, the vehicle will move between Hybrid Drive and EV Drive for optimum efficiency. Engine Drive is engaged as needed for brisk acceleration and for efficient highway driving.

The 2018 CR-V will also be specified with Honda’s 1.5 litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine, with a choice of either 6-speed manual or continuously variable ‘CVT’ transmission. All-new CR-V will not feature a diesel powertrain in European markets.

More details about the all-new Honda CR-V for Europe will be confirmed when the production specification vehicle is unveiled early next year. The new SUV will be officially launched in European markets in 2018.

Global motor show debut for pure-electric Honda concept car Modern interior environment includes wrap-around panoramic dashboard screen Sets the direction for a future Honda production model scheduled for 2019

Honda has revealed an all-new electric vehicle, the Urban EV Concept, at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The concept car is built on a completely new platform, and sets the direction for the technology and design that will appear on a future battery electric Honda production model.

The concept was officially introduced by Honda Motor Co. President and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo, during his press conference speech. “This is not some vision of the distant future; a production version of this car will be here in Europe in 2019,” he added, confirming that the concept is set to be launched within two years.

Exterior design

Honda’s Urban EV Concept showcases advanced technology within a simple and sophisticated design. Its low and wide proportions give the car a planted, muscular stance that hint at sporty driving performance. Its compact proportions mean it has a total vehicle length 100mm shorter than the Jazz supermini.

The Honda emblem on the concept is backlit in blue, which previews a new styling feature for the company‘s future EVs. At the front of the car, interactive multilingual messages can be displayed between the headlights, including greetings, advice for other drivers on the road, or charging status updates.

Interior design

The driver’s outward visibility from the Urban EV Concept is excellent thanks to slim A-pillars and a wide windscreen that appears to sweep around the entire front of the car. Entry and exit from the vehicle is via rear-hinged coach doors. The electric charging cable connection is housed on the bonnet.

Honda’s Urban EV Concept can accommodate four occupants, across two bench seats finished in different materials. To create a lounge feeling, the front row is upholstered with natural grey fabric, with the seat backs, squabs and arm rests embellished with contemporary wood finish accents. The seatbelts for the rear bench are fixed in the middle of the seat, allowing the belt to retract out of the way before a passenger exits the car.

The same wood finish wraps around a large ‘floating’ dashboard console. This houses the steering wheel column, a set of simple control buttons, and a panoramic display screen. The dashboard itself is completed by a wrap-around screen that runs behind the console and extends into the doors. The main dashboard screen presents a range of vehicle information including remaining battery level. Whilst the extended door screens function as the car’s wing mirrors through digital camera displays.

Honda Automated Network Assistant concierge

Honda’s Urban EV Concept showcases the company’s vision for a world where mobility and daily life are seamlessly linked. The on-board advanced Honda Automated Network Assistant acts as a personal concierge, which learns from the driver by detecting emotions behind their judgments. It can then apply what it has learnt from the driver’s past decisions to make new choices and recommendations.

Honda Power Manager

New methods for managing energy transfers between the grid, homes and electric vehicles could provide revenue opportunities for EV owners in the future. Honda’s Power Manager Concept, revealed alongside the Urban EV Concept in Frankfurt, is a smart system that can store energy more efficiently, releasing electricity generated by renewable sources back into the home or selling it back to the grid.

Electric Vision

Honda’s ‘Electric Vision’ strategy, launched at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, includes the development of a dedicated electric vehicle platform, featuring fully-electric powertrain technology. Key parts of the powertrain development will include a high-density, lightweight battery pack, integrated heat management and the evolution of energy transfer functions – both to and from the vehicle.

Honda to present Power Manager Concept smart energy system at Frankfurt

Fully-integrated energy transfer system manages energy between the grid, homes and electric vehicles Honda’s first step in helping electric cars to contribute to the creation of smart power grids Pilot project in France to use Power Manager units to develop regional smart grid

Honda will present its all-new Power Manager Concept, a fully-integrated energy transfer system, at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show on 12 September.

The system is designed to incorporate electric vehicles into a smart power grid. It enables the collection and distribution of electricity between the grid, homes and businesses and electric vehicles, to intelligently balance demand and efficient storage of energy. Honda will apply its Power Manager technology as part of a smart grid pilot scheme in the west of France.

Philip Ross, Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, said: “We will incorporate electrified drivelines in two thirds of cars sold in the region by 2025. The introduction of our Power Manager system supports and reinforces our commitment. It uses advanced technology to intelligently integrate the electric vehicle into the wider power network, so it is no longer just a consumer but also a contributor to the grid. It underlines our pledge to develop a more sustainable mobility model.”

Balancing electricity supply, storage and demand

Power Manager Concept works by aggregating and distributing energy to and from the grid, solar panel-equipped homes or workplaces, and electric vehicles.

Electricity is received into the system from the grid or is generated by the solar panels and can be used to power and heat the building as well as to charge the EV. While the EV is plugged in, the energy can be stored and used at home or sold back to the grid, potentially generating value for EV owners.

The Power Manager Concept system can help to stabilise the grid at times of either short or surplus supply, as well as representing a revenue opportunity for EV owners.

Pilot smart grid scheme in France

Honda Motor Europe will supply Power Manager units to the SMILE project (Smart Ideas to Link Energies) in a smart grid pilot scheme

The pilot project will see solar panels and Honda Power Managers installed to create a smart power grid, where energy can be used to charge EVs, power the buildings, and feed electricity back into the grid when required.

The SMILE project, backed by the French Ministries of Industry and Energy, is operating 17 interconnecting projects with the aim of creating a large smart power grid in western France by 2019.

Honda’s development of Power Manager underlines its commitment and ambition in the area of electrification.

Honda will unveil an all-new electric sports car – the Sports EV Concept – at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show on 25 October, as part of a broad range of advanced two- and four-wheeled production and concept vehicles.

Other highlights being showcased by Honda are the Urban EV Concept – revealed to an overwhelmingly positive response at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September – and a range of Super Cub motorcycle models celebrating its 60 years anniversary and 100 million units production after the original introduction. Show visitors will also be able to see the Honda NeuV personal mobility concept and the all-new CR-V, both of which will make their Japanese debuts.

Sports EV Concept

Catching the eye with a striking silhouette, friendly face and supple body surfaces, all designed to ensure the car blends into any lifestyle, the Sports EV Concept will have its world premiere in Tokyo. The development team designed the sporty electric car to deliver a feeling of joy and emotional unity to the drive, achieved by efficiently combining the EV powerunit and AI technology in a compact bodyshape.

Urban EV Concept

Following a rapturous reception to its global debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Urban EV Concept will make its first appearance in Japan. Based on a newly-developed electric vehicle platform, its simple design and compact proportions are ideal for modern city driving. A communicative front grille displays battery charge status, driving advice and greetings in multiple languages, while the wrap-around interior display conveys a friendliness with the driver designed to inspire an emotive attachment. The production version will arrive in Europe in 2019.

Super Cub celebration

To celebrate the forthcoming milestones of 60 years of production and the 100 millionth unit manufactured since its introduction, Honda show stand will feature a comprehensive display of the Super Cub’s history, the current model line-up and will provide a glimpse of its future. This will include the unveil of the 100 million production anniversary model of Super Cub 110 and a new Super Cub 125C.

All-new CR-V

Retaining an evolution of the distinctive design of one of the world’s most successful SUV nameplates, the all-new fifth generation CR-V will also make its Japanese debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. The new model includes the implementation in an SUV of Honda’s two motor hybrid technology – i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive).

NeuV

The NeuV was first revealed in January at CES 2017 in Las Vegas, showcasing an electric mobility concept for the commuter. Equipped with the brand’s artificial intelligence engine – Honda Automated Network Assistant– its autonomous driving capability incorporates driver monitoring to determine driver stress from facial expressions and tone of voice, in order to support safer driving. NeuV learns about the driver’s lifestyle and preferences over time, so that it can suggest new routes and activities, realising a natural relationship between driver and machine.

Honda Civic voted as a finalist in the AUTOBEST 2018 award Second time that a Honda model has been shortlisted in the final six AUTOBEST jurors represent 31 European countries

The new Honda Civic has been included in the final shortlist of six contenders for the AUTOBEST 2018 ‘Best Buy Car of Europe’ award.

This is the second time the Japanese brand has secured a place as a finalist, following the HR-V’s selection for the shortlist in 2016.

The AUTOBEST organisation is composed of 31 of the most influential motoring writers from across Europe. The award seeks to recognise the new car that represents the best overall proposition for a broad range of European customers. Areas of particular importance to the jury include competitive pricing, flexibility, design, connectivity and the availability of spare parts and service items. To be eligible, vehicles must be available from less than €20,000.

The tenth-generation Civic is the result of Honda’s largest-ever global development programme, and benefits from advanced engineering, manufacturing, aerodynamics, powertrain, and chassis technologies. European sales started in early 2017. The five-door Civic is produced at Honda of the UK Manufacturing in Swindon.

The Honda Civic will now be assessed during a ‘Final 6’ drive, which will be held in Vairano, Italy on 29 and 30 November. The winner of the 17th annual AUTOBEST award will be announced on Friday 15 December.

Honda has strengths in producing a broad range of products including motorcycles, automobiles, power products and even business jets. And Honda has relationships with 28 million customers around the world, which we established through our products. Such strengths as a manufacturer and relationships with our customers are proof that Honda has been embodying its passion to “serve people worldwide with the joy of expanding their life’s potential,” which has been widely shared beyond the boundaries of countries and times. Honda will further strengthen the lineup of our motorcycle and automobile global models, which represent one of Honda’s strengths, and continue to offer a broad range of attractive products to customers all around the world.

Moreover, Honda has been working on the development of various technologies and products which will contribute toward the realisation of a carbon-free society and making good progress in making our gasoline-powered vehicles cleaner and more fuel efficient. In the area of automobiles, we have been expanding the lineup of hybrid vehicles and will continue to strengthen hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV models from here forward. With our products equipped with electrification technologies, Honda will continue striving for the realization of our enduring passion to realize the joy of helping people and the joy of driving. Honda will continue taking on challenges to expand the life’s potential of our customers.

Key Exhibition Models

<Automobiles>

Honda Sports EV Concept:

Honda exhibited the world premiere of the Honda Sports EV Concept, a concept model which combines EV performance and AI (artificial intelligence) inside a compact body with the aim to realise the joy of driving the user can feel with a sense of unity with the car.

Honda Urban EV Concept:

Built on a newly-developed dedicated EV platform, the Honda Urban EV Concept is a concept model which indicates the technology and design directions for Honda’s future mass-production EV models. A new model based on this concept will go on sale first in Europe, and then in Japan in 2020.

Honda NeuV:

The Honda NeuV is an EV concept model that explores the potential of mobility products which will be further expanded by automated driving technologies and AI. NeuV makes judgments about the driver’s state of stress based on facial expressions and/or tone of voice and provides assistance to the driver to support safe driving, and by learning the driver’s lifestyle and preferences, provides suggestions to the particular driver, realising communication between driver and mobility.

Honda CR-V:

The Honda CR-V is an SUV model enjoyed by customers in more than 160 countries around the world. The lineup of this all-new CR-V includes a series-first hybrid model equipped with Honda’s original “SPORT HYBRID i-MMD” two-motor hybrid system, which will be available in front-wheel drive and 4WD variants. A 3-row seating type will be added to the lineup of the gasoline model. The all-new CR-V is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in 2018.

Clarity PHEV:

Based on Honda Sport Hybrid i-MMD, the output and capacity of the battery were increased, and the EV range of more than 100 km was made possible. The Clarity PHEV, a new-generation plug-in hybrid model, features an exterior form with low vehicle height, spacious cabin that seats 5 adults and a large-capacity cargo area. The Clarity PHEV is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in summer 2018.

Honda RoboCas Concept:

The Honda RoboCas Concept is a small-sized electric mobility product created to make people’s dreams and ideas come true. Different types of carrying space with a canopy can be freely combined with a compact-sized vehicle body base which has a driving function.

<Motorcycles>

Honda Riding Assist-e:

The Honda Riding Assist-e is an experimental motorcycle model Honda developed by applying proprietary balance control technologies Honda amassed through its research in the field of robotics. Honda’s aim for this model is to offer motorcycle riders greater peace of mind and make life with motorcycles more fun for people by mitigating the risk of a fall.

Neo Sports Café Concept:

Honda exhibited the world premiere of the Neo Sports Café Concept, which is a concept model for a naked sport model that combines the fun and beauty of a sport bike with a new-generation motorcycle package.

PCX Electric:

The PCX Electric is an electric scooter equipped with a high-output motor developed independently by Honda as well as the Honda Mobile Power Pack, a detachable mobile battery pack. Honda PCX Electric is scheduled to go on sale in 2018 in the Asia region including Japan.

PCX Hybrid:

Honda newly-developed an original hybrid system designed for motorcycles. This compact hybrid system employs a high-output battery and ACG starter to assist the engine and enables PCX Hybrid to realise a “torqueful” riding performance. Honda PCX Hybrid is scheduled to go on sale in 2018 in the Asia region including Japan.

Gold Wing Tour /Gold Wing

Honda exhibited the Japan premiere of the Honda Gold Wing grand touring model, which has been evolving as a flagship motorcycle model of Honda, and will underwent a full model change. The all-new Gold Wing features new technologies including a newly-developed horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine, 7-speed DCT and Honda’s original double wishbone suspension. The GOLDWING is planned to go on sale through Honda's new "Honda Dream" sales channel to be launched in April 2018.

The Super Cub 110 is a special model Honda produced exclusively for the Tokyo Motor Show to commemorate the achievement of the 100 million-unit global production milestone this year and the 60th anniversary next year for the Super Cub series.

Super Cub C125

The Super Cub 125C inherited and evolved the attractive design and functionality as a personal commuter from the first-generation Super Cub (C100). This new 125 cc model features the latest equipment such as a smart key and electric seat opener and yet realizes ample power for a comfortable riding experience.

Cross Cub 110

Featuring a crossover style which will look good for both urban area riding and outdoor activities, the Cross Cub 110 proposes a new value of Honda Cub motorcycles. As a model oriented toward recreational use, the “tough” image is being emphasized with the adoption of a leg shield and wider tires.

Monkey 125:

A 125cc horizontal, single-cylinder engine was installed to the signature body of the Honda Monkey with a sense of intentional deformation which comes from the short & tall body proportion unique to the Monkey series. Adopting unique features such as LED lights and digital meters, the Monkey 125 explores the new appeal of the Honda Monkey model.

Honda Ie-Mobi Concept is an electrical mobility product which seamlessly connects a home and the car. Honda Ie-Mobi Concept makes it possible to supply electricity from the car to the home and from the home to the car. Moreover, this vehicle can be used also as a small room with the size of approximately 4.95m2.

Honda Fure-Mobi Concept was developed under the theme of human-to-human interaction. This model has a size equivalent to that of a one-person electric wheelchair, but seats two people and realises smooth traveling on walkways or indoor spaces. Honda developed this model with the hope that this vehicle, which enables two people to move around together, will make people more proactively want to enjoy an outing.

Honda Chair-Mobi Concept:

Honda Chair-Mobi Concept is a chair-type mobility product which can be casually used in indoor or outdoor spaces. Its compact size and ability to turn in a small radius enable it to come into a tight space. The height-adjustable seating face features a function to maintain a level seat even while it is driven uphill or downhill. Honda developed this model as a mobility device which is capable of maneuvering as flexibly as a pedestrian so that it can be used in various occasions.

Honda Ai-Miimo Concept

Honda Ai-Miimo Concept was developed based on the Honda Miimo, an electric self-propelled robotic lawn mower. By installing AI, it was turned into a model which communicates with its user and supports the user in his/her everyday life. Honda developed this model with the hope to create an existence which goes beyond the framework of a “product” but brings smiles and pleasant moments in people’s lives just like a pet or family member.

Honda provides ‘eShuttle’ service at COP23 in Bonn Clarity Fuel Cell is the world’s most advanced fuel cell vehicle Up to 25,000 people are expected to participate in the conference Founding member Honda to attend second annual CEO meeting of Hydrogen Council during COP23

Honda is supplying two hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell cars as part of an ‘eShuttle’ service at the 2017 United Nations Climate Conference (COP23) in Bonn, Germany. During the conference, Honda Motor Co., Ltd Executive Vice President, Seiji Kuraishi, will attend the second annual meeting of the Hydrogen Council.

Running from 6 to 17 November, COP23 is the next step for governments to implement the Paris Climate Change Agreement and accelerate the transformation to sustainable, resilient and climate-safe development. This year, COP23 incorporates a ‘one conference, two zones’ concept. Talks between governments will take place in the ‘Bula Zone’, while climate action events and media activities will take place in the ‘Bonn Zone’.

Hydrogen is one of the focus points of the two-week conference, and hydrogen-powered cars and buses are available to shuttle visitors between the venues. Honda has supplied two Clarity Fuel Cell cars as part of this ‘clean shuttle’ service, linking meeting locations with zero-emission mobility. The clean shuttle service is available to government delegates, representatives of observer organisations, businesses and journalists.

During COP23, Honda is being represented by Honda Motor Co., Ltd Executive Vice President, Seiji Kuraishi at the second annual meeting of the Hydrogen Council. The Council, launched on 17 January 2017 in Davos, is a global initiative of leading energy, transport and industry companies with a united vision and long-term ambition for hydrogen to foster the energy transition.

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is the world’s most advanced fuel cell vehicle, which eliminates the design compromises that are often found in alternatively-fuelled cars. Its state-of-the-art 103kW fuel cell stack is small enough to be housed under the bonnet rather than in the underfloor area, which creates more space for the cabin. The result is a fuel cell sedan capable of seating five occupants in comfort – a world first.

Showcasing its advanced fuel cell leadership, as well as the car‘s impressive real-world performance, Honda is running a dedicated fleet of new Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles in European demonstration projects, such as HyFIVE, which aim to further the deployment of fuel cell vehicles and the related hydrogen infrastructure.

The arrival of the new Clarity Fuel Cell in Europe is a key part of Honda’s ‘Electric Vision’, announced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, which aims to have electrified powertrains in two thirds of its cars sold in Europe by 2025.

Honda will become the world’s first car manufacturer to adopt new state-of-the-art driving simulator technology, based on a revolutionary architecture called DiM250 (Driver-in-Motion).

Most driving simulators make use of motion technology derived from flight simulators, and typically use six actuators to deliver six ‘degrees of freedom’. However, to accurately reproduce vehicle ride, handling and acceleration characteristics within a single simulator, VI-grade’s DiM250 system uses nine actuators to create additional ranges of motion. It is unique in the industry.

Yasunori Oku, Executive Vice President, Honda R&D Europe, said: “We expect to use DiM250 primarily for vehicle dynamics and ride applications, as well as using it as a crucial tool to develop and test our ADAS, HMI, powertrain and autonomous driving technologies earlier in the design process”. “The DiM250 technology will provide an ideal common development platform for our research and development activities, where all teams involved can work together in one single collaborative environment.”

The DiM250 system has been designed by simulator software developer VI-grade, and is engineered and manufactured by automatic controls specialist Saginomiya. Its electrically-driven nine-actuator platform is more advanced than conventional ‘hexapod’ designs, and the whole system moves by sliding on airpads, rather than using additional mechanical rails. The airpads counterbalance the high payloads and dynamic loads, and help to make the simulator extremely stiff, silent and reliable.

The integration of Software-in-loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-loop (HIL) applications within the simulator will enable designers and engineers to evaluate advancements in the vehicle development cycle before physical prototypes have even been built. It will also allow the simulator to more accurately imitate problem scenarios to test safety systems and controls.

Juergen Fett, Managing Director, VI-grade, said, “We are looking forward to a continuous and successful usage of our technology at Honda R&D, helping the company to develop even better cars in a shorter time, while providing us with precious feedback to further improve our driving simulation solutions.”

The new simulator will be installed at Honda R&D Europe’s technical centre in Offenbach, Germany, in the second half of 2018.

About Honda R&D Europe (Deutschland) GmbH

Honda R&D Europe, with locations in Germany, Italy and England, is an integral part of the Honda organisation in Europe. As part of its independent organisational structure, Honda R&D Europe cooperates with Honda's distribution centres and production facilities for the automotive and motorcycles product lines in an equal partnership. The European Honda network unites a common goal: tailor-made products for the benefit of European customers. At Honda R&D Europe, predominantly European employees develop mobility concepts for the regional markets. Conception and design of new models as well as extensive driving tests on European roads produce products with independent appearance and advanced technology. The German division of Honda R&D Europe, located in Offenbach, researches and develop technologies for cars, motorcycles, and outboard motors on a worldwide basis.

About DiM (Driver-in-Motion)

The revolutionary driving simulation turnkey solutions from VI-grade provide automotive engineers with a complete set of innovative, integrated driving simulators for a new generation approach to system-level simulation, allowing companies to bridge the gap between virtual prototyping and testing. The dynamic configuration provides motion feedback to the driver thanks to an innovative nine-degrees-of-freedom moving platform with reduced overall dimensions and large travels. The machine architecture is called Driver in Motion (DiM) and its kinematics has been designed, for the first time in history of motion platforms, to implement in the best possible way the motion cueing technology that has been developed and tested by VI-grade. This family of simulators are based on a much more compact and much less expensive driving simulator architecture with respect to conventional simulators with similar workspace. Moreover, these solutions are fully scalable, meaning that it is possible to upgrade from static to dynamic simulator, reusing all components that have been already purchased. The driving simulation solutions from VI-grade are based on VI-DriveSim, the product which provides the core software environment for all driving simulation solutions from VI-grade. For further information, please visit www.driverinmotion.com

About Saginomiya

Saginomiya is the leading provider of automatic controls and test systems in Japan as and is very highly reputed throughout the world for the quality of its products. Saginomiya started developing, manufacturing and selling test systems in 1964, expanding in several business fields such as civil engineering and construction, industrial machinery, railway services, power generation, aviation and automotive. Saginomiya’s “Dynamic Servo” has been developed as the ideal test systems utilising state-of-the-art core technologies such as electric and hydraulic hybrids as well as a next-generation simulator. Saginomiya is are highly committed to serve the needs of the most technically advanced customers in the global market. For further information, please visit http://www.saginomiya.co.jp/eng.

About VI-grade

VI-grade is the leading provider of best-in-class software products and services for advanced applications in the field of system level simulation. Together with Saginomiya, leading provider of automatic controls and test systems, and a network of selected partners, VI-grade also provides revolutionary turn-key solutions for static and dynamic driving simulation. Established in 2005, VI-grade delivers innovative solutions to streamline the development process from concept to sign-off in the transportation industry, mainly automotive, aerospace, motorcycle, motorsports and railways. With office locations in Germany, Italy, UK, Switzerland, Japan, China, and the USA, and a worldwide channel network of 20 trusted partners, VI-grade is a dynamic and growing company with a highly skilled technical team. For further information about VI-grade please visit http://www.vi-grade.com.

The VI-grade Logo and all VI-grade product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of VI-grade

Honda installs new bi-directional charging technology at European R&D centre

Energy can be drawn from and returned to the grid with new hardware New charging station is another step towards a zero-emission society Project is collaboration between Honda, EVTEC and The Mobility House Installation tests the integration of electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy sources

Honda has invested in advanced bi-directional charging technology at its European R&D site in Offenbach, Germany, which is helping to balance demand and store energy more efficiently across the facility. The new charging system incorporates renewable energy generation, and is a test bed for hardware that will be available to private households in the future.

The technology installation in Germany follows the debut of the domestic Honda Power Manager Concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The concept previewed a fully-integrated energy transfer, which takes power from the grid and can return stored energy from electric vehicle (EV) batteries – through ‘Vehicle-to-Grid’ or ‘V2G’ technology. This latest trial installation at Honda’s Offenbach site applies the same principles on a larger scale.

Through bi-directional energy transfer, electricity is drawn from the grid or is generated by photovoltaic solar panels, and is used to charge EVs plugged in to the system. While an EV is plugged in, the energy held in its battery can be transferred back to help stabilise the grid at times of short or surplus supply.

Jörg Böttcher, Vice President of Honda R&D Europe, said: “With the installation of the latest bi-directional charging technology at our R&D site in Germany, we are adding the next technology to our Smart Company project, which will further enhance our research activity in the field of zero-emission society and future mobility.”

With the help of the bi-directional hardware and with the technology of The Mobility House*, Honda aims to optimise energy management at its European R&D campus, maximising the use of renewable solar power in particular. The project is testing the interaction, compatibility and power flow between specific electrical components, including the renewable energy cells and the EV batteries. The installation represents a collaboration between Honda R&D Europe, energy service provider The Mobility House and Swiss technology company EVTEC.

The investment in the bi-directional energy transfer technology further enhances the world’s most advanced public charging station for plug-in vehicles, which was launched at Honda R&D Europe in summer 2017. Its state-of-the-art 940V capability can deliver up to 150kW of energy, enabling as many as four vehicles to charge simultaneously with different types of connectors. Since its installation in June, the EV charging station has supplied power for 447 charge sessions and has saved 3.87 tonnes of CO2.

-Ends-

Editors Notes:

*The Mobility House, founded in 2009, provides innovative charging and energy storage solutions to car manufacturers in over 10 countries throughout the world from its locations in Munich, Zurich and San Francisco. For further information, please visit: http://www.mobilityhouse.com/en/